Delphi control arm body showed better strength and fatigue life than that of the OEM design. Additionally, the tested push and pull force of the ball stud indicated the Delphi design also has superior strength compared to the OEM component. Steering and suspension replacements for the Tesla Model S are highly significant because these parts are uniquely involved in the vehicle’s driving modes. Smart Air Suspension is a feature responsible for comfort, safety, and Cheetah Mode performance, which has helped to make the Tesla Model S P100D so desirable.” He added: “Whilst this is one high profile example of the product offering evolving, growing the range of OE quality parts for electric vehicles is an ongoing priority and part of the company’s commitment to a sustainable future.” Ample Comline Auto Parts has also introduced steering and suspension components for the Tesla Model S, as Senior Business Line Manager (Steering and Suspension) Chris Pegg observed: “With ample Model S vehicles on the roads and are increasingly likely to enter independent workshops for repair or servicing, Comline is keen to emphasise its steering and suspension range for the EV icon. Within the range are seven track control arm references, three stabiliser links and one tie rod end. “This announcement is also prevalent considering the RAC’s announcement that patrols attended nearly a quarter more breakdowns where potholes were likely to blame in the final months of 2022, compared to the previous three months. It’s a horrible jolt for motorists; hitting a pothole can leave their vehicle with nothing more than a bump or it can cause severe damage to suspension components. To reassure motorists, technicians can fit safety critical Comline components safe in the knowledge they have been extensively tested in real-world conditions for performance and reliability.” Chris added: “Comline track control arms, for example, are manufactured using ISO-approved techniques for consistent, long-lasting performance in all conditions. Meanwhile, stabiliser links and tie rod ends are supplied with all the relevant accessories for an easy, ‘fit-and-forget’ fitment. For more information, visit: www.comline.uk.com Unique offering Another company adding parts for Tesla’s Model S is FAI Automotive, who have launched control arms for the vehicle, as Product Manager Mayur Chauhan observed: “FAI are the first in the aftermarket to offer the forward-lower arms complete with fitting bolts. This unique offering isn’t just a ‘nice to have’ but is a result of the original bolts needing to be cut away from the vehicle, in most instances. The design of the Model S is such that the battery housing is in very close proximity to the lower arms, making it tricky to remove without going through the painstaking process of removing the battery compartment to gain access. By simply cutting off the existing fixings and replacing them with the FAI kit, the job is done in no time, with the added benefit of a more complete repair having used a fresh series of fastenings. The construction of the FAI arms has also been modified to achieve a superior product for longer service. FAI’s partnered factory has designed a component that is stronger in all areas, resulting in a 200% increase within the control arm fatigue 48 AFTERMARKET APRIL 2023 STEERING AND SUSPENSION www.aftermarketonline.net test. A big part of the strength comes down to a robust Ball Pin, that has a pull-out rating of 80kN, an increase of 100%.” On FAI’s Land Rover fitting kits for the Discovery and Range Rover Sport, Mayur noted: “With over 200,000 of these vehicles on the road, many doing high mileage, the wishbones are a common repair. Many fitters will have experienced frustration when trying to pry off the heavily corroded components, leaving little option other than to use brute force. The resulting damage can mean a job left unfinished until new bolts can be sourced, a problem easily avoided by FAI’s fitting kits. Each kit contains all nuts, bolts and washers for the particular application, developed alongside the control arms they already have in range. The aforementioned points about lowering labour time and not relying on reused bolts all stand for this simple solution too.” Offering some best practice tips, Mayur said: “Vehicles are manufactured to have a series of tolerances to which the components operate to, but over time and with the occasional bump up a curb or pothole, the margins are moved outside of the tolerances originally set. A small amount of movement to steering & suspension components is to be expected but this can have a knock-on effect on new parts being fitted. After fitting control arms, FAI always suggests that the wheels are re-aligned to ensure the geometry of the vehicle is correct. No one wants a customer coming back with tyre wear issues or complaints of poor handling.” Initial impact According to Mayur, the increasingly poor state of UK roads means steering and suspension will stay a top issue for garages: “A recent motoring report by RAC revealed over 90% of motorists claimed the condition of the road surface has deteriorated, citing potholes as one of the main issues. “The initial impact of hitting a pothole is transferred from the tyre directly to the shock absorber, which is designed to absorb impacts but can often bottom out within itself. The Above: Land Rover bolt kits from FAI There has been an increase in the use of materials such as aluminium and composite plastics ”
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